Best View Points From Campervan in Lake District

[Jude on Wheels]

Hi everyone

My husband and I are both disabled, we bought 2 very lightweight motorised wheel chairs which we're able to fit on, and in, the camper for when we travel, so recently decided to do a nice long tour of the UK. We live in the South, and have been on the road for 4 weeks, all going really well, until whilst out in a town one day, my mobility scooter started rattling, and kept stopping, the worst part was that this happened whilst crossing a busy road - REALLY scary, I can tell you. Unfortunately, it can't be fixed, and trying to purchase a new one whilst away from home, could prove to be an expensive mistake, and VERY complicated, so we've now decided we'll have to go home early. However, we are currently on a week which is booked and paid for in the Lake District, so would like to make the best of that, before heading back. Without my wheelchair, I'm pretty limited in what I can do, so wondered if you well travelled folks can recommend the best places to enjoy some lovely views, whilst parked up in the camper van. We don't mind driving around a fair amount, so pretty much anywhere in the lakes would be of interest.

Waiting with bated breath for lots of ideas.

 

[B+W vanman]

Hi everyone

My husband and I are both disabled, we bought 2 very lightweight motorised wheel chairs which we're able to fit on, and in, the camper for when we travel, so recently decided to do a nice long tour of the UK. We live in the South, and have been on the road for 4 weeks, all going really well, until whilst out in a town one day, my mobility scooter started rattling, and kept stopping, the worst part was that this happened whilst crossing a busy road - REALLY scary, I can tell you. Unfortunately, it can't be fixed, and trying to purchase a new one whilst away from home, could prove to be an expensive mistake, and VERY complicated, so we've now decided we'll have to go home early. However, we are currently on a week which is booked and paid for in the Lake District, so would like to make the best of that, before heading back. Without my wheelchair, I'm pretty limited in what I can do, so wondered if you well travelled folks can recommend the best places to enjoy some lovely views, whilst parked up in the camper van. We don't mind driving around a fair amount, so pretty much anywhere in the lakes would be of interest.

Waiting with bated breath for lots of ideas.

Where are you based this week, may I ask?

 

[Jude on Wheels]

We're currently on a site at New Hutton, Kendall, but tomorrow move on to the C&CC site at Windermere.

 

[namwaldog]

We live on the Northern edge of the National Park.
My advice would be to go to the fringes of the Park, particularly the northern, eastern and western.

For instance, from Kendal, take the A685 over to Tebay, then north on minor roads through Orton, Crosby Ravensworth towards Shap.
There is a nice free car park at the Wet Sleddale reservoir where you could spend time. To return, the A6 over Shap Summit gives spectacular views, or if you're feeling more ambitious, return from Shap via minor roads to Pooley Bridge and down the length of Ulllswater to Patterdale, Brotherswater, Kirkstone Pass and back to Windermere.
Remember the closer you are to the 'commercial' Lake District, the busier and therefore restricted you will be.

Enjoy

 

[Jude on Wheels]

That's great Barry! Thanks so much! Could you just elaborate on what you call the 'commercial' Lake District, as we've never been here before?

 

[namwaldog]

Could you just elaborate on what you call the 'commercial' Lake District, as we've never been here before?

The tourist traps of Windermere, Bowness, Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick etc. Traffic jams, expensive everything! Beautiful scenery, yes, but so busy you can't see it!

 

[B+W vanman]

From Windermere (where I live some of the time) a nice trip would be north to Ambleside, then on to Rydal Water and Grasmere from there over Dunmail Raise down to Thirlmere then on to Keswick and Derwent Water. Though this route goes through several “honeypots” (the commercial centres namwaldog warns you about ) you will find yourself on (mostly) good main roads.
If you have Blue Badges you will often , but not always, find parking in the honeypots unavailable to the general public
I think the other thing to bear in mind, as I don’t know how big your van is, nor how confident you are as drivers, but Lakeland roads can be extremely daunting to those unfamiliar with drystone walls, narrow bridges and some interesting gradients!
You will also probably find out why Wet Sleddale (if you venture that far) is an appropriate name!

 

[B+W vanman]

Further thought… as you’re at Windermere, the CCC site is very close to Bowness Piers where the Lake Cruises depart
They run trips up and down Windermere where you can stay on the boat or disembark for an hour or two for lunch at Lakeside or Waterhead (Ambleside) you get a commentary too!

 

[PhilG]

There is a fully wheelchair accessible path that overlooks Keswick, UnderSkiddaw, you can park real close, but dont get the view until you get to the top, its not steep, just an incline , but is 10 mins drive out of Keswick across the main road. We did it in a force 8 gale, and it was 'interesting' but well worth it.

 

[Jude on Wheels]

Hi B+W vanman! Thanks for your input. We do have Blue Badges, and our van is 6m long by about 2.6m wide. My husband, who tends to do most of the driving (he admits to being an awful passenger!!) is a VERY good and experienced driver, having taken many groups of passengers via coach, to the hotspots of Europe. Surprisingly the Lakes are one area of the UK that he's never done, so I think we'll manage most things the roads might throw at us. Do I take it that Wet Sleddale is reknowned for it's rainfall?

There is a fully wheelchair accessible path that overlooks Keswick, UnderSkiddaw, you can park real close, but dont get the view until you get to the top, its not steep, just an incline , but is 10 mins drive out of Keswick across the main road. We did it in a force 8 gale, and it was 'interesting' but well worth it.

Not sure I've understood you properly PhilG, is the view only accessible on foot/wheelchair, or by camper too?

 

[PhilG]

Hi B+W vanman! Thanks for your input. We do have Blue Badges, and our van is 6m long by about 2.6m wide. My husband, who tends to do most of the driving (he admits to being an awful passenger!!) is a VERY good and experienced driver, having taken many groups of passengers via coach, to the hotspots of Europe. Surprisingly the Lakes are one area of the UK that he's never done, so I think we'll manage most things the roads might throw at us. Do I take it that Wet Sleddale is reknowned for it's rainfall?

Not sure I've understood you properly PhilG, is the view only accessible on foot/wheelchair, or by camper too?

Sorry , i misread your post. Yes it will need access on foot/wheelchair but it is a designated route.

The run from Keswick through to Buttermere is nice, and up to the top of Honister Pass. All drivable with places to stop along the way . Both are bus routes, so you will get through , but dont meet one coming the other way LOL.

 

[Jude on Wheels]

No problem Phil. Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge, it all helps.

 

[Dall]

If you find the time to get north of the A66 you can drive around the fringe, (the yellow line on the map is the boundary of the LD national park) stopping to take in the view at Eycott hill nature reserve park ( just north of Berrier) and have a great lunch at the "Muddy Duck" café in Caldbeck before continuing over the common to Uldale and Bassenthwaite Lake.
This area, known locally as the "Northern Fells" is really lovely and definitely away from the crowds.
Lots of places to park and take in the view.

 

[The Coops]

Catch the ferry from Ferry Nab, follow the road past Beatrix Potters place down to Coniston, up to Tarm Hows and back via lakeside and Newby Bridge

 

[Jude on Wheels]

Thank you 'Dall' and 'The Coops', really helpful info.